Introducing NA-A6500
A New Nauticam Housing for Sony a6500
Sony a6500 is the latest high performance mirrorless interchangeable lens camera placed in the Sony E Mount lineup. Similar in size to many compact cameras, the a6500 body surrounds a large APS-C image sensor with fast and accurate autofocus performance.
The a6500 is an incredible camera for underwater imaging (both stills and motion) when paired with the ergonomic, rugged, and down right good looking Nauticam housing. The combo excels at fast action still photo shooting, 4K video, and everything in between.
The Sony a6500
The a6500 predecessor, a6300, unveiled incredible enhancements in all aspects of performance. All of those features remain in the a6500, with a few significant upgrades.
The most notable new feature is 5 axis in-body image stabilization. This means that every lens – even retro manual glass from previous rangefinder systems, benefits from image stabilization. Modern Sony OS lenses work in conjunction with the in-body system for even greater stabilization. Underwater photographers can use this feature to allow slower shutter speeds in low light or available light situations, brighten backgrounds, and as a “steady shot” function when shooting video.
The focus system is astounding, with the fastest auto focus acquisition of any interchangeable lens digital camera available, and the highest number of phase detect focus points. These 425 focus points spread across almost the entire frame help the camera accurately track subject motion in all directions. This phase detect AF system has an uncanny ability to track moving subjects, dramatically improving the accuracy of continuous focus.
A high resolution, low lag electronic viewfinder provides an experience remarkably like an optical viewfinder, with minimal delay. Uninterrupted live view while shooting at up to 8fps is possible, reducing the “blackout” that previous mirrorless cameras have when shooting bursts of photos. The a6500 live view display is much like a digital SLR, with minimal blackout between shots. The a6500 is capable of 4K video capture. The camera records a 20 megapixel (6K!) portion of its sensor, then resamples in body to produce an extremely sharp low noise image.
A more extensive buffer with a newly developed front-end chip that provides more processing power increases the burst shooting capacity to 300 JPEG or 107 Raw images at 11 fps with full autofocus and autoexposure. Instant image review is possible, even while images are being written to the card. This expanded buffer means you can shoot continuously at 11 fps for 14 seconds!
Operationally, the camera is extremely intuitive. A new touch screen can be used for focus point selection. New C1 and C2 buttons provide even more extensive customizability (with 10 total customizable buttons). The extensive menu system has been organized, and is much easier to navigate.
The Nauticam NA-A6500 Underwater Housing
Nauticam is the industry leader in mirrorless interchangeable lens underwater camera support. Nauticam has housed more mirrorless cameras, and more Sony E (NEX) Mount cameras than any other housing manufacturer. This experience results in the most evolved housing line with broadest range of accessories available today.
Pioneering optical accessories elevate performance to a new level. Magnifying viewfinders, the sharpest super macro accessory lenses ever made, and now the highest quality wet mount wide angle lens (the WWL-1) combine with the NA-A6500 housing to form a complete imaging system.
Nauticam is known for ergonomics, and an unmatched experience. Key controls are placed at the photographer’s fingertips. The housing and accessories are light weight, and easy to assemble. The camera drops in without any control presetting, and lens port changes are effortless.
NA-A6500 features an integrated handle system. This ergonomic style is well proven on the full frame NA-A7 and NA-A7II housings for Sony Full Frame (FE) cameras. Exceptional control access, even with thick gloves, and ideal placement of the shutter release and AE-L / AF-L buttons at the right handle.
Nauticam build quality is well known by underwater photographers around the globe. The housing is machined from a solid block of aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water corrosion. Marine grade stainless and plastic parts complete the housing, and it is backed by a two year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Details and Specifications
- Depth Rating: 100m
- Weight: 1.56 kg (including handles and strobe mounting balls)
- Dimensions with Handles: (306mm x 168mm x 100mm W x H x D)
- Dimensions without Handles: 198 mm x 138mm x 100mm (W x H x D)
Via Nauticam, Sample Photos
